At Least Four People Injured in a Helicopter Crash in Chicago

11:53 am
&nbsp July 9, 2018

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CHICAGO — July 9, 2018

According to federal authorities, one of four people injured in a helicopter crash in Chicago this Saturday is in critical condition. The crash occurred as a medical helicopter transported patients to a local hospital.

The crash was reported shortly after 9 p.m. local time. The pilot issued a mayday call before crash landing.

The copter's three crew members are in stable condition, reported Walter Schroeder, deputy district chief of the Chicago Fire Department, according to the Chicago Tribune.

There is no clear indication at this time of the causes of the crash of "Eurocopter 135" which occurred near the Bishop Ford Expressway. The most likely reason the chopper might have gown down is pilot error, according to experts.

“I think the pilot did an excellent job of landing a helicopter that was in an emergency situation,” Fire Department Deputy District Chief Lynda Turner said.

The helicopter hit the ground right-side up in a grassy area next to the expressway. It was smoking, but didn’t catch fire.

The three crew members were able to evacuate without incident by the time emergency crews arrived. They were then able to remove the patient. Two people were taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, while two others were taken to University of Chicago Medical Center.

Federal aviation officials are investigating the crash scene and the National Transportation Safety Board was notified, the official report said.

The National Transportation Safety Board was also notified about this incident, according to the FAA.